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By Steve Morris
 In its third overtime game of the year, the Rush City boys basketball team pulled together to earn a hard-fought 76-71 win against Great River Conference foe Aitkin on the road Feb. 1 in overtime.
With less than a minute to play, Aitkin hit a field goal to tie the game. On the Tigers next possession, they had an opportunity to score, but failed to capitalize. Aitkin had the last shot in regulation, but missed sending the game into overtime.
Rush City coach Jeremy Albright talks strategy with his players during their game against Aitkin Feb. 1.
In the extra stanza, sophomore Justin Bosman and Cody Waters both hit clutch shots and senior Andy Erickson was calm and collected on the free throw line to seal the win.
Prior to the overtime, Rush City was led by an explosive outside shooting game. For the game, they hit 10 three pointers. The Tigers also moved the ball well and were patient on offensive, finding the open man for easy buckets.
“We did a good job of moving the ball around on offense,” head coach Jeremy Albright said. “We are definitely getting experienced at close games.”
The Aitkin defense collapsed on Rush City senior captain Isaac Roll, who did a good job of finding the open player, Albright explained.
Albright, who is in his first year on the job, said Roll has been double teamed all season.
“If he was only getting double teamed, that wouldn’t be a big deal,” Albright said.
Despite the intense pressure, Roll finished with 21 points to lead the team.
Erickson pulled in 14 rebounds 19 points and three assists.
Jared Orn, had a solid night finding his open teammate. Albright said his staff has been busy trying to put Orn in different spots in the offense, to see where he fits best.
Bosman had four steals in the win.
With the win, the boys improve to 6-2 in the Great River Conference and 8-6 overall.
Up next, the boys play East Central on the road Friday and then have a week to prepare for the Braham Bombers visit to their home arena.
Alex Sterger 3, Jared Orn 5, Derek Gorman 3, Dylan Truskolaski 6, Justin Bosman 15, Isaac Roll 21, Cody Waters 4, Andy Erickson 19.
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